Celebrating Sonny's Enduring Legacy: A Light That Continues to Shine
- teamsonnyssunshine
- Sep 24
- 3 min read
There are people who enter our lives and leave an indelible mark on our hearts, changing not just how we see the world, but how we choose to live in it. Sonata "Sonny" Belle Greishaw was one of those extraordinary souls. Born on July 23, 1996, in Erie, PA, Sonny lived her life with what can only be described as unapologetic vigor. Her infectious laugh and radiant smile had the remarkable ability to light up every room she entered. She was passionate about soccer, had an undeniable soft spot for babies, loved exploring new places through travel, savored good meals, and above all, cherished her family with a depth that was both beautiful and inspiring.
A Warrior's Heart
At just 20 years old, Sonny faced a battle that would have broken many spirits. On March 29, 2017, after an almost 18-month courageous fight against Acute Myeloid Leukemia 6, she gained her angel wings. Her journey was particularly challenging due to a gene mutation called FLT3, which made her resistant to standard chemotherapy treatments. Despite this obstacle, she endured multiple rounds of chemotherapy, participated in clinical trials, and was blessed to receive a bone marrow transplant in May 2016.
Throughout her treatment at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, GA, Sonny received world-class care from dedicated medical professionals, especially the incredible 6E nurses who became part of her extended family. But what made Sonny truly remarkable wasn't just her strength in facing her diagnosis—it was how she chose to use her experience to lift others up.
A Servant's Heart in Action
True to her character, Sonny refused to let her diagnosis define or limit her. Instead, she transformed her struggle into a beacon of hope for others. She became a positive force of strength, supporting fellow patients through donations of gifts, time, money, and even her own hair. Her servant's heart shone brightest when she helped organize not one, but two teams for the 2016 Light the Night Walk Events—one in her hometown of Erie, PA, and another in Atlanta, GA, where she was receiving treatment.
The Legacy Lives On
Today, Team Sonny's Sunshine continues to honor Sonny's memory by carrying forward her mission of blood cancer advocacy and awareness. We celebrate one of the most phenomenally brave women we've ever known—a young woman who embodied beauty, compassion, and an absolute zest for life. Her spirit continues to shine through every act of kindness, every dollar raised for research, every moment of support offered to families facing similar battles. Sonny's story reminds us that even in our darkest moments, we have the power to choose light. She chose to use her platform, her voice, and her experience to make a difference. She is the reason #whyweadvocate, and her legacy continues to inspire countless others to join the fight against blood cancer.
As we continue this important work through Team Sonny's Sunshine, we're reminded that Sonny's light hasn't dimmed—it has multiplied. Every person who learns about blood cancer awareness, every family that receives support, every breakthrough in research brings us closer to a world where no family has to endure what Sonny and her loved ones faced.
Sonny's sunshine continues to brighten the world, one act of advocacy at a time. #SheIsEverywhere in the work we do, the lives we touch, and the hope we share.
Donate to Blood Cancer United in her memory.
Visit the official Team Sonny’s Sunshine store!! All proceeds from our Sonny Inpired merchandise goes to help support cancer communities.
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